CA Gov. Brown Vetoes Mandatory Micro-chipping

Update Oct. 2011: California Gov. Jerry Brown has vetoed Senate Bill 702, the Robo-Rover bill, that would have would require microchipping of dogs and cats when they are adopted from a shelter or rescue or retrieved by their person from a shelter after they have been found lost and impounded.

Though advocates for the bill said the cost would be covered by impoundment or adoption fees, the governor had this to say, "Under current law, local agencies and shelters can — and should — require animals to be microchipped before being released. There is no need for state law to mandate the procedure, which would then require the state to pay for it."

For more on this bill, read Animal Law Coalition’s report below.

Sept. 2, 2011 Report: California Senate Bill 702, has been sent to Gov. Jerry Brown for his signature. The bill passed the Assembly last week by a vote of 50-23. The bill previously passed the Senate by a vote of 32-6.

The bill, also called the Robo-Rover bill, would require microchipping of dogs and cats when they are adopted from a shelter or rescue or retrieved by their person from a shelter after they have been found lost and impounded.

The sponsor, state Sen. Ted Lieu, stated that more than 1 million dogs and cats are impounded every year in California. Many are euthanized because their families cannot be located. An American Veterinary Medical Association study found that 73 percent of microchipped pets are likely to find their way home from a shelter. In California, only 11 percent are reunited with their families.